2023: Jonathan Vindicated; Middle Belt Group Joins The Queue

By Akinwale Kasali

Before he was denied a second term and hounded out of office by a well-choreographed and packaged propaganda, former President, Dr  Goodluck Jonathan made a statement which has, today, come true. It is words on marble.

He said Nigerians would know his worth after he leaves office. He has more than been vindicated.

From across the country, the chorus is that Jonathan should get back to office and complete his second term. Most of those who were part of the propaganda that hounded him out of office have since regretted. Some have apologized, publicly.

Joining the queue of those who  are calling on Jonathan to get back to office is a Middle Belt Group. This followed that of a Group of Youths who said, a few days ago, that they would buy Jonathan’s nomination form, whichever Party he chooses to run under.

The Middle Belt Progressive Forum has, also, pledged to buy the 2023 Presidential nomination form for the former President under any party of his choice as soon as he breaks his prolonged silence to declare for the 2023 Presidential race.

In a press statement issued by the Convener of the Forum, Dr. Paul  Agada, in Abuja,  the Group highlighted that Jonathan had demonstrated the right temperament and disposition to lead Nigeria at the present time.

“Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is a man of peace who has demonstrated in times past that he does not place his personal ambition over the peace and stability of the country. This rare quality has seen him gain recognition as a peacemaker and key negotiator in conflicts across the African continent.

“Jonathan is fondly remembered for the establishment of much needed Federal Universities in Lokoja and Lafia in Kogi and Nasarawa States respectively. Also, he approved the release of N30 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme fund to finance the Loko-Oweto Bridge project to link Benue and Nasarawa States, a project that has now been completed by the current administration.”

“Other key programmes of the Jonathan administration like the Agricultural Transformation Agenda and YouWin helped to improve agriculture and create jobs for youths in the region.

“The Middle Belt Progressive Forum has a robust membership spread across the states of the Middle Belt and the country at large and we have agreed that former President Goodluck Jonathan stands heads and shoulders in terms of experience and capacity above all the numerous aspirants jostling for the tickets of various parties hence our resolve to purchase the nomination form of whichever party he chooses”.

The Group said the prolonged silence of Jonathan is worrisome, urging him

to declare his intention without further delay.

It added that it has trust in the leadership of the Otuoke, Bayelsa State born educationist turned- politician.

“We hereby urge him to heed the call of the Middle Belt Progressive Forum and teeming millions of Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora without further delay,” he added.

However, a source close to Jonathan told this magazine: ” Dr Jonathan is not interested. He is enjoying his peace. He is enjoying being a continental and world statesman, and he is busy with his Foundation.”